Trick or treat? How Sunderland have fared in Halloween fixtures

Simon Grayson will be hoping to avoid another horror show when Bolton Wanderers visit the Stadium of Light - but history suggests that Sunderland may well struggle.

The Black Cats' record on Halloween is underwhelming to say the least, with the Wearsiders having won only a third of their fixtures played on October 31 since 1960.

You have to go back to the turn of the millennium for the last time Sunderland won on All Hallow’s Eve as they picked up a 2-1 win at Bristol Rovers.

We take a glance back at some of Sunderland’s memorable - nightmarish - outings on this day:

October 31, 2010 - Newcastle United 5-1 Sunderland

This one certainly goes down in the horror show category as the Black Cats were torn apart by their bitter rivals.

A hat-trick from Kevin Nolan and a brace from Shola Ameobi did the damage, with Darren Bent’s injury time strike a mere consolation.

Titus Bramble’s second half red card topped off a dismal afternoon for Sunderland - a Halloween to forget.

October 31, 1999 - Sunderland 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

A rare Sunderland victory on this day came courtesy of a fine home performance as Peter Reid’s side climbed to third in the Premier League.

Niall Quinn netted a brace within the opening 22 minutes to put the Black Cats in a commanding position against a Spurs side containing a wealth of talent.

Steffan Iversen pulled one back with just under half an hour remaining but a fine rearguard performance saw Sunderland grind out the win.

October 31, 1990 - Derby County 6-0 Sunderland

A real fright night.

The Black Cats were dismantled at the Baseball Ground as they crashed out in the Third Round of the League Cup.

Mick Harford netted a hat-trick for the hosts and Craig Ramage added a brace before an own goal rounded off a woeful evening for Sunderland.

October 31, 1989 - Sunderland 4-2 Barnsley

Only one year prior to the mauling at Derby, Sunderland gave their fans a Halloween treat with a fine performance against Barnsley.

A brace from Eric Gates set the Black Cats on their way with a Paul Hardyman penalty extending the lead.

Two goals in there minutes from David Currie and Carl Tiler saw Barnsley claw their way back into the contest, but a Gary Bennett goal with half an hour remaining wrapped up the victory.\

October 31, 1908 - Sunderland 6-1 Manchester United

Back before Sunderland’s Halloween form took a rather scary turn, the Black Cats put in a dominant performance against Manchester United.

The Red Devils left Roker Park with their tails firmly between the legs after braces from Arthur Brown, George Holley and Arthur Bridgett.

Sandy Turnbull found the net for United but it was a Halloween to remember for the Wearsiders.